Aquatic game apparatus

ABSTRACT

An aquatic game apparatus includes a target that is buoyant and configured to float on water. The target has a target portion that has a plurality of target openings for receiving a water skipping article. The target openings may have different opening sizes and different point values. The target portion may be rotated up a target angle from a base portion. The base portion contains floatation units that may be detachable to the target. One or more anchors, which may be fillable weight bags may be coupled to the target by straps and configured to retain the target in a position. The aquatic game apparatus may also contain a backstop having a net to capture water skipping articles that have missed the target. The target and/or the backstop may comprise inflatable floatation units. The target and/or the skipping article may glow in the dark.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/006,878, filed on Aug. 30, 2020 and currently pending, whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 62/893,889, filed Aug. 30, 2019, and this application also claimsthe benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/033,918, filed onJun. 3, 2020, the entirety of all applications are hereby incorporatedby reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Aspects of this document relate generally to systems and methods for anaquatic game.

Background and Description of Related Art

Aquatic games rarely withstand active use and are typically made for amore sedate user experience. For example, some aquatic games thatemphasize active use lack the support necessary to remain on an aquaticsurface, shifting erratically upon user contact. Aquatic games thatemphasize support to enable an active user experience typically requirecumbersome assembly. Thus, most aquatic games neither emphasize anactive user experience nor easy assembly, leaving users with either astaid user experience or a less user-friendly game.

So as to reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification,and to fully establish the state of the art in certain areas oftechnology, Applicant(s) herein expressly incorporate(s) by referenceall of the following materials identified in each numbered paragraphbelow.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,430 discloses a water skipping article comprising athree-dimensional body with an elliptical exterior face and a bodyexhibiting a smooth and continuous exterior surface further defining ahollowed and interior cavity suspended within said body.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,457,250 discloses a game comprising at least one target,a container housing a board assembly, at least one game piece, alaminated structure including buoyant layers, a target aperture, and apocket affixed to a bottom of said board assembly and aligned with saidtarget aperture.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,937 discloses a water sport target game comprising afloat, a plurality of targets, a hook is mounted to the underside of thefloat, wherein a string is tied at one end to the hook and at the otherend of the string is attached a weight.

Applicant(s) believe(s) that the material incorporated above is“non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referredto for purposes of indicating the background of the invention orillustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believesthat any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essentialmaterial” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)43), Applicant(s) willamend the specification to expressly recite the essential material thatis incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides among other things an aquatic gameapparatus and method. The aquatic game apparatus includes a waterskipping article, a target, a pop-up board, and at least one of aplurality of fillable weight bags.

In one embodiment an aquatic game apparatus may comprise a waterskipping article comprising a high-density foam material, a top surfacehaving a rounded side profile, a rounded outer perimeter, and a bottomsurface. The top surface comprises a first elliptically extended face, asecond elliptically extended face, and a continuous smooth-edged outerperimeter. The aquatic game apparatus further comprises a targetcomprising a pop-up board and at least one of a plurality of fillableweight bags coupled to the pop-up board by at least one of a pluralityof straps, wherein the fillable weight bags are configured to stabilizethe target on a water surface. The pop-up board comprises an uppersurface having a plurality of pocketed nets, and a lower surface havinga plurality of integrally for riled flotation units, wherein the uppersurface is elevated above the lower surface by a support pole.

In some embodiments the support pole may comprise a semi-rigidstanchion, an elastic canvas comprising an upper end coupled to theupper surface of the pop-up board and a lower end coupled to the lowersurface of pop-up board, wherein the semi-rigid stanchion is insertablycoupled to the elastic canvas at both ends of the elastic canvas.

In some embodiments the plurality of nets may comprise a mesh material.In some embodiments the plurality of integrally formed flotation unitsmay be in a triangular prism configuration. In some embodiments eachintegrally formed flotation unit may comprise a foam material housedwithin a waterproof sleeve.

In some embodiments the pop-up board may comprise an integrally-formedwire frame. In some embodiments the wire frame may comprise a semi-rigidmaterial. In some embodiments the wire frame may comprise steel wire.

In some embodiments the bottom surface of the water skipping article maybe substantially flat. In some embodiments the water skipping articlemay comprise a waterproof fabric. In some embodiments, the high-densityfoam material may be housed within the waterproof fabric. In someembodiments the plurality of straps may be adjustable. In someembodiments the finable weight bags may comprise a waterproof canvasmaterial.

In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus maycomprise skipping a water skipping article along a surface of water, thewater skipping article comprising a high-density foam material, a topsurface having a rounded side profile, a rounded outer perimeter, and abottom surface. The top surface comprises a first elliptically extendedface, a second elliptically extended face, and a continuous smooth-edgedouter perimeter.

In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus mayfurther comprise contacting a target with the water skipping article,the target comprising a pop-up board and at least one of a plurality offillable weight bags coupled to the pop-up board by at least one of aplurality of straps, wherein the fillable weight bags are configured tostabilize the target on a water surface. The pop-up board comprises anupper surface having a plurality of pocketed nets, and a lower surfacehaving a plurality of integrally formed flotation units, wherein theupper surface is elevated above the lower surface by a support pole. Thesupport pole may comprise a semi-rigid stanchion, and an elastic canvascomprising an upper end coupled to the upper surface of the pop-upboard, and a lower end coupled to the lower surface of the pop-up board,wherein the semi-rigid stanchion is insertably coupled to the elasticcanvas at both ends of the elastic canvas.

In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatuscomprises skipping the water skipping article into at least one of theplurality of nets. In some embodiments a method of using an aquatic gameapparatus comprises tallying at least one point upon skipping the waterskipping article into at least one of the plurality of nets. In someembodiments a method of using an aquatic game apparatus comprisesflexing the upper surface of the pop-up board upon contacting the targetwith the water skipping article.

The target may be configured with any number of target openings, whichmay have pocketed nets to capture the water skipping article. Theskipping target game apparatus may comprise a number water skippingarticles and they may have an identifier to allow one player todifferentiate their water skipping article from their opponent's. Thetarget portion may be triangular shaped having three sides with a bottomside extending horizontally, or along a water surface or ground surfaceand a left and right side that converge to a top. The target openingsmay be arranged on the target portion and have associated point values,which may be indicated by point markings on the target portion. In anexemplary embodiment, three target openings are configured in a rowabove the bottom side, two middle openings are configured above theseopenings and a single top opening is configured proximal to the top ofthe target portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the target portion isconfigured with target openings configured in rows extending along theleft and right sides from the bottom to the top with a single top targetopening connecting the two rows. The target openings may be differentsizes, wherein the top opening may be smaller and thereby harder to skipthe water skipping article therein. An exemplary target may have two ormore target openings, three or more target openings, five or more targetopenings, six or more target openings, seven or more target openings andany range between and including the number of target openings provided.A target opening more proximal to the top of the target portion may besmaller in size than target openings more distal from the top of thetarget portion, or configured proximal to the bottom of the targetportion.

The skipping target game apparatus may comprise features to enable gameplay in low light conditions such as at night or in a dark room. Some ofthe components of the skipping target game apparatus may comprise glowin the dark material, such as a florescent or phosphorescent material(pigment or coating) including, but not limited to the water skippingarticles, the target and in particular the target portion such as theupper surface, the base portion and/or the floatation units and thelike. Glow in the dark foam rods, commonly referred to as noodles, canbe made with glow in the dark material. A portion of the target portionmay contain glow in the dark material, such as around the targetopenings and/or on the target markings. In an exemplary embodiment, thebase portion and/or floatation units glow in the dark and illuminate thetarget openings to provide contrast with the rest of the upper surfaceof the target portion, wherein the light shines up through the targetopenings. A glow in the dark material may also be a phosphorescentmaterial that glows in the dark when exposed to short wavelength light,such as ultraviolet light. An auxiliary light may produce theultraviolet light, or it may be part of the skipping target gameapparatus.

An exemplary skipping target game apparatus is configured to float onwater and may have some combination of floating components toeffectively provide buoyancy for the target. The target may comprise oneor more floatation units that are coupled to the base, either integrallyor are detachably attachable. In an exemplary embodiment, the floatationunits are detachable to enable the target to be folded down and packedinto a case. The floatation units may be rod or cylindrically shapedfoam, or noodles that are retained to the base portion by floatationretainers, such as Velcro straps or a sleeve configured for insertion ofthe floatation units. The floatation units may extend around a portionof the base portion, such as about the perimeter. In an exemplaryembodiment, the base unit has two floatation units along the side edges,or extending from the front towards the back of the base portion. Afloatation unit may also extend along the hinge or front of the targetbetween the base portion and the target portion, for example. Inaddition, portions of the target may be inflatable floatation units,wherein a bladder can be inflated to produce a buoyant structure, orcollapsible floatation unit. For example, the floatation units may beinflatable bladders that are coupled to the base unit, and/or the baseportion and target portions may be inflatable. The triangular shapedbase and/or target may be an inflatable bladder. In addition, the waterskipping articles may be made out of foam, such as high density foamthat enables them to float on water.

An exemplary target is configured to fold to allow compact storage. Thetarget portion may fold down about the hinge connection with the baseportion and the target may fold further to reduce the size. The targetand/or base portion may comprise a flexible wire frame that extends in asleeve to enable the perimeter of the target to be reduced by folding.The target may be folded into a circular configuration.

An exemplary skipping target game apparatus is configured to be playedby skipping the water skipping article across water and into one of thetarget openings. The target may be held in place by the anchors that aresubmerged in the water, or rest on a bottom surface of a body of wateror on solid ground surface, such as on a pool deck. The skipping targetgame apparatus may also be placed on or at the end of a water slide,wherein a slippery and wet surface may allow the water skipping articlesto skip over the water slide into the target openings.

An exemplary skipping target game apparatus comprises a backstop that isconfigured to extend behind the target to collect the water skippingarticles that bounce off or over the target or are errant shots thatmiss the target all together. The backstop may also be configured tofloat an may have buoyant floatation components, such as the basesupport, which may be buoyant and be comprises of foam or may beinflatable. A backstop net extends between the base support and an uppersupport. The upper support may also be inflatable or may be retain ashape by the use of segmented support poles that are flexible to form anarced backstop upper support shape. A backstop stanchion is configuredto extend between the base support and the upper support to keep theupper support elevated up in a backstop configuration. The backstopstanchion may also comprise a segmented support pole

The summary of the invention is provided as a general introduction tosome of the embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to belimiting. Additional example embodiments including variations andalternative configurations of the invention are provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description when considered in connection withthe following illustrative figures. In the figures, like referencenumbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an implementation of a waterskipping article, more specifically a top surface having a rounded sideprofile.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an implementation of a water skippingarticle, more specifically a top surface having a rounded side profile,a rounded outer perimeter, and a continuous smooth-edged outerperimeter.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of an implementation of a water skippingarticle, more specifically a top surface having a rounded side profile,a first elliptically extended face, a second elliptically extended face,and a rounded outer perimeter.

FIG. 4 depicts a left-side view of an implementation of a water skippingarticle.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of an implementation of a water skippingarticle, more specifically a bottom surface.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an implementation of a target, morespecifically a pop-up board, an upper surface, a plurality of pocketednets, a plurality of straps, and a plurality of Tillable weight bags.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of an implementation of a target.

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of an implementation of a target.

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of an implementation of a target, morespecifically a pop-up board and a lower surface having a plurality ofintegrally formed flotation units.

FIG. 10 depicts a left-side view of an implementation of a target, morespecifically a pop-up board, an upper surface, a lower surface having aplurality of integrally formed flotation units, and a support pole.

FIG. 11 depicts a right-side view of an implementation of a target, morespecifically a pop-up board, an upper surface, a lower surface having aplurality of integrally formed flotation units, and a support pole.

FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary skipping targetgame apparatus having a target and a backstop net assembly.

FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary skipping targetgame apparatus having a target and a backstop net assembly.

FIG. 14 shows a back perspective view of an exemplary skipping targetgame apparatus having a target, a backstop net assembly and a pair ofanchors configured on a pool deck to retain the apparatus in a desiredlocation.

FIG. 15 shows a side perspective view of an exemplary skipping targetgame apparatus having a target and a pair of anchors coupled to thetarget by straps.

FIG. 16 shows a back perspective view of an exemplary skipping targetgame apparatus having a target and a pair of anchors coupled to thetarget by straps and a pair of floatation units retained to the base byfloatation retainers.

FIG. 17 shows a back perspective view of an exemplary skipping targetgame apparatus having a target, a pair of anchors coupled to the targetby straps, a pair of floatation units retained to the base by floatationretainers, and a scoreboard coupled to the support pole.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary skipping target game apparatus, disassembledwith the floatation units removed from the retainers on the baseportion, the straps coupling the anchors detached and the support poleremoved from the support pole retainers.

FIG. 19 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus shown in FIG.18, with the target portion folded down onto the base portion about thehinge.

FIG. 20 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus folded andthen placed into a case, such as a bag.

FIG. 21 shows a front view of a pair of segmented support poles havingan elastic tether extending between the support pole segments.

FIG. 22 shows a view of a segmented support pole having only two supportpole segments.

FIG. 23 shows a light charger configured to charge a water-skippingarticle with light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light so that the glow inthe dark material on the water-skipping article glows in the dark.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of an exemplary water skipping articlehaving a rounded perimeter and a curved top and bottom surface.

FIG. 25 shows a left side view of the water skipping article shown inFIG. 24.

FIG. 26 shows a left side view of the water skipping article shown inFIG. 24.

FIG. 27 shows a left side view of the water skipping article shown inFIG. 24.

FIG. 28 shows a top view of the water skipping article shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 shows a bottom view of the water skipping article shown in FIG.24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will beunderstood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussedmore generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases,a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implementthe various forms of the invention. It should be noted that there aremany different and alternative configurations, devices and technologiesto which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of theinventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

In one application, a novel aquatic game apparatus is provided.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 5, an exemplary implementation of a waterskipping article 100 may be made out of a foam material 114, such as ahigh-density foam material.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary implementation ofa water skipping article 100. In one non-limiting embodiment, the waterskipping article 100 comprises a top surface 102 having a rounded sideprofile 108. The top surface 102 further comprises a first ellipticallyextended face 120, a second elliptically extended face 122, and acontinuous smooth-edged outer perimeter 112. The water skipping article100 further comprises a rounded outer perimeter 104 and a bottom surface106. The water skipping article further comprises a high-density foammaterial 114. The first 120 and second 122 elliptically extended faces,in conjunction with the rounded side profile 108, rounded outerperimeter 104, and continuous smooth-edged outer perimeter 112, reducethe friction of the water skipping article as it is skipped along asurface of water. This enables the water skipping article 100 to beskipped along a surface of water at an optimal speed and spin, andwithout stalling upon contact with a water surface. This further enablesthe water skipping article 100 to form a water wake or ramp, allowingthe water skipping article 100 to continue skipping. The water skippingarticle may have glow in the dark material 110 to enable it to glow inthe dark to enable play during low light conditions.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an implementation of the water skippingarticle 100, more specifically, the top surface 102 and rounded outerperimeter 104. In some embodiments, the water skipping article 100comprises a high-density foam material 114. In some embodiments, thewater skipping article 100 may comprise a waterproof fabric. In someembodiments, the water skipping article 100 may comprise a waterprooffabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material,mesh, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the high-density foam material 114 is housedwithin the waterproof fabric 115. In some embodiments, the high-densityfoam material 114 may be housed within a waterproof fabric,non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, mesh, ora mixture of any of the preceding materials. In some embodiments, thewater skipping article 100 may be comprised of glow-in-the-darkmaterials, or be affixed with lighting, to enable gameplay in darkness.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an implementation of the waterskipping article 100, more specifically, the first elliptically extendedface 120, the second elliptically extended face 122, and the roundedouter perimeter 104.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left-side view of an implementation of the waterskipping article 100, more specifically, the top surface 102 having arounded side profile 108. The top surface 102 further comprises a firstelliptically extended face 120 and a second elliptically extended face122. As shown in this figure, the water skipping article 100 furthercomprises the bottom surface 106. In some embodiments, the bottomsurface 106 of the water skipping article 100 is substantially flat. Inother embodiments, the bottom surface 106 of the water skipping article100 may be substantially elliptical or substantially round.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an implementation of the waterskipping article 100, more specifically, the bottom surface 106 androunded outer perimeter 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 11, an exemplary implementation of a target10, more specifically, a pop-up board 12, comprises a target portion 32,having an upper surface 17 and a plurality of target openings 16 havingpocketed nets 14, and base portion 20, having a lower surface 26 havinga plurality of integrally formed flotation units 18, 24. The targetportion and is elevated above the base portion 20, by a support pole 28that extends between the base portion and the target portion. The targetportion and base portion may be hingeably connected along lower frontedge 19 of the target 10, whereby the target portion is configured to beangled up from the base portion a target angle 56, as shown in FIGS. 10and 11, and as described herein. A plurality of anchors 31, 31′, 31″ arecoupled to straps 11, 11′ 11″, respectively. The straps extend from theanchors to the base and as shown, to the corners of the base portion. Ananchor may be a tillable weight bags 13 that may be filled with water,or objects that are heavier than water, such as rocks. The anchors maysink in the water or may be placed on a surface, such along the deck ofa pool. The anchors 31, such as the fillable weight bags 13, areconfigured to stabilize the target 10 on a water surface. The pop-upboard 12 further comprising a target portion 32, having a, targetportion and. A plurality of floatation units 18, 18′, 24 are coupled tothe base portion 20 and are configured to keep the target 10 afloat,even with the anchors attached and submerged in water. The tillableweight bags may be configured to submerge in the water and the straps 11may be long enough to enable the fillable weight bags or the anchor,which may be a weight, to rest on a bottom surface of a body of water,such as a bottom of a pool.

The upper surface 17 may be shaped as any regular or irregular polygonalfigure such as, by nonlimiting example, a triangle, quadrilateral,pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal figure. In some embodiments, theupper surface 17 may be shaped as any circle, oval, oblong, or any otherclosed curve. Similarly, the lower surface 26 may be shaped as anyregular or irregular polygonal figure such as, by nonlimiting example, atriangle, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal figure. Insome embodiments, the lower surface 26 may be shaped as any circle,oval, oblong, or any other closed curve. The upper 17 and lower 26surfaces may be of the same or different shape in relation to one other.As shown, the target portion 32 has a triangular shape comprising threesides and acute angles between the sides. The intersections of thesides, or points of the triangle are curved having a radius ofcurvature. The target portion has a plurality of target openings 16,each having an associated point marking 44 that indicates the number ofpoints for skipping the water skipping article 100 into the targetopening. As shown, the target openings along the bottom 34 of the targetportion have a lower point marking than the target proximal to the top36 of the target portion, as it may be more difficult to skip the waterskipping article into the upper target opening.

The target may have glow in the dark portions or the upper surface maybe glow in the dark, or portions thereof may be glow in the dark toenable play in low light conditions. The upper surface 17 may have glowin the dark material 44, or the glow in the dark material may beconfigured around the target openings 16 and/or with the point markings41. As described herein the water skipping article 100 may have glow inthe dark material 110 as well.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an implementation of the target 10,more specifically, the target portion 32 with is a pop-up board 12having an upper surface 17 with a plurality of target openings 16. Insome embodiments, the pop-up board 12 comprises an integrally formedwire frame 22. In some embodiments, the wire frame 22 may be comprisedof a semi-rigid material. In one non-limiting embodiment, the wire frame22 comprises steel wire. In some embodiments, the wire frame 22 may bemade of metal, plastic, or any other sufficiently semi-rigid or rigidmaterial that maintains the structural integrity of the pop-up board 12.The wire frame may extend around the perimeter of the target portion 32and/or base portion 20 and may extend within a sleeve. The wire framemay be made out of or comprise metal, plastic or an elastomer, such as arubber and may be flexible and elastic, wherein the wire frame can bedeformed, such as by folding and then rebound back to an original shape.The target portion and/or base portion may be shape memory componentsthat self-expand to the desired shape upon removal of a restraint, suchas by pulling the target out of a case.

In some embodiments, the pop-up board 12 may be comprised of awaterproof canvas material. In other embodiments, the pop-up board 12may be comprised of a non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, ortensile fabric. In some embodiments, the upper surface 17 of the pop-upboard 12 may be comprised of wood. In some embodiments, the uppersurface 17 and lower 26 surfaces of the pop-up board 12 may be comprisedof the same or different material in relation to one another. In someembodiments, the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12 may comprise atleast target opening 16 without a pocketed net 14. In some embodiments,the target 10 may be comprised of glow-in-the-dark materials 41, or beaffixed with lighting, to enable gameplay in darkness.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an implementation of the target 10,more specifically, the target portion 32 which is a pop-up board 12having an upper surface 17, and the plurality of target openings 16configured with pocketed nets 14. The plurality of pocketed nets 14, maycomprise, for example, a mesh material. In some embodiments, theplurality of pocketed nets 14, may comprise a waterproof fabric,non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, or amixture of any of the preceding materials. The plurality of pocketednets 14, may be sewn, pinned, stapled, nailed, screwed, or integrallyformed into the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12. The pluralityof pocketed nets 14, may be of any diameter and depth suitable for thepurpose of receiving the water skipping article 100. Note that sometarget openings may be larger than other target openings.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of an implementation of the target 10,more specifically the pop-up board 12 and the lower surface 26 havingthe plurality of integrally formed flotation units 18, 18′ and 24. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of integrally formedflotation units are arranged in a triangular configuration with a frontfloatation unit 24 and a left and right floatation unit 18, 18′. In someembodiments, the plurality of integrally formed flotation units maycomprise a foam material housed within a waterproof sleeve 52. In someembodiments, the plurality of integrally formed flotation units maycomprise any suitably lightweight material enabling the target 10 toremain buoyant on a water surface. In some embodiments, the plurality ofintegrally formed flotation units may be in any regular or irregularshape, such as being rod or cylindrical in shape, or any polygonal prismconfiguration such as, by nonlimiting example, a triangle,quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal prism configuration.In some embodiments, the plurality of integrally formed flotation unitsmay be in any circle, oval, oblong, or any other closed curve prismconfiguration. The floatation units may be rod shaped foam, for example.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left-side view of an implementation of the target10, more specifically, the target portion 32 which is a pop-up board 12,extending up at a target angle 56 from the base portion or lower surface26. The target portion is coupled to the base portion by a hinge 39along the lower front edge 19 of the target portion. having theplurality of integrally formed flotation units 18/24, and the supportpole 28.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the support pole 28 comprises asemi-rigid stanchion 50 and an elastic canvas 51. The elastic canvas 51further comprises an upper end 30 coupled to the upper surface 17 of thepop-up board 12, and a lower end 15 coupled to the lower surface 26 ofthe pop-up board 12, wherein the semi-rigid stanchion 50 is insertablycoupled to the elastic canvas 51 at both ends of the elastic canvas 51.The support pole 28 elevates the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12over the lower surface 26 of the pop-up board 28. Insertably couplingthe semi-rigid stanchion 50 to both ends of the elastic canvas 51stretches the elastic canvas 51 from a slacked state to a taut state.The tautness of the elastic canvas 51, in conjunction with thesemi-rigid stanchion, ensures the structural integrity of the targetwhile the upper surface 17 is elevated above the lower surface 26. Tocollapse the pop-up board 12, the semi-rigid stanchion 50 may beremoved, slackening the elastic canvas 51 and collapsing the uppersurface 17 onto the lower surface 26. The semi-rigid stanchion, orsupport pole, may be segmented support pole.

The elastic canvas 51 may comprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterprooffabric, plastic, nylon, rubber, canvas material, tensile fabric, amixture of any of the preceding materials, or any flexible materialsuitable for the proper operation of the support pole 28. The semi-rigidstanchion 50 may comprise fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, plastic,metal, rubber, nylon, twine, a mixture of the preceding materials, orany semi-rigid material suitable for the proper operation of the supportpole 28. In some embodiments, the support pole 28 may comprise a rigidstanchion. In other embodiments, the support pole 28 may comprise asemi-rigid stanchion 50 that is substantially more flexible than rigid.

FIG. 11 illustrates a right-side view of an implementation of the target10, more specifically, the pop-up board 12, and at least one of theplurality of tillable weight bags coupled to the pop-up board 12 by atleast one of the plurality of straps 11, wherein the fillable weightbags 13 are configured to stabilize the target 10 on a water surface. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the fillable weight bags 13 may comprise awaterproof canvas material. In some embodiments, the fillable weightbags may comprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic,canvas material, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials. Inparticular, the tillable weight bags 13 stabilize the target 10 on awater surface and help prevent the target 10 from floating away,flipping over, or being tossed aside from the force of wind, waterwakes, or the water skipping article 100 upon contact with the waterskipping article 100. In some embodiments, the tillable weight bags 13may be filled with water, rocks, or any other suitable material. In someembodiments, the plurality of straps 11 is adjustable. The plurality ofstraps 11 allow for the tillable weight bags 13 to be placed at adistance from the pop-up board 12. The plurality of straps 11 maycomprise a waterproof fabric, non-waterproof fabric, plastic, nylon,rubber, canvas material, or a mixture of any of the preceding materials.

The aquatic game apparatus, comprising the water skipping article 100and the target 10, may be used when a user skips the water skippingarticle 100 along a surface of water towards the target 10 and contactsthe target 10 with the water skipping article 100. In someimplementations, the user may skip the water skipping article 100 intoat least one of the plurality of pocketed nets 14. In someimplementations, the user may tally at least one point upon skipping thewater skipping article 100 into one of the plurality of pocketed nets14. In some implementations, the upper surface 17 of the pop-up board 12may flex upon contact of the water skipping article 100 with the target10.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 20, an exemplary skipping target gameapparatus 200 includes a target 10 and a backstop net assembly 60. Thetarget is coupled with to the backstop net assembly backstop straps 61,61′ to keep the target in front of the backstop net assembly. Thebackstop net assembly has a backstop net 68 that is extends between andupper support 62 and a base support 64. The upper support may be held upfrom the lower support by a backstop stanchion 66, which may be asegmented support pole 71, as shown in FIG. 21. The backstop stanchionmay be retained in stanchion receivers 67, 67′, which may be aperturesthat receive the ends of the backstop station. The upper support maycomprise an upper support sleeve 63 for receiving a segmented supportpole 70, as shown in FIG. 17 and the base support may comprise a basesupport sleeve 65 for receiving a segmented support pole 70′ as shown inFIG. 17 and may comprise an inflatable bladder 89 that can be inflatedto provide buoyance for the backstop 60 net assembly. A connector strap69 may extend between the left and right sides of the backstop net. Asshown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the anchors 31, 31′ are coupled to thebackstop net assembly 60 by straps 11, 11′, respectively. The exemplaryskipping target game apparatus 200 includes a light 88 that may be usedto illuminate the target 10. The light may be detachably attachable tothe target 10. The light may be configured to emit short wavelengthlight, such as an ultraviolet light, such as a black light, that causesa phosphorescent glow in the dark material 41 to emit light.

As shown in FIG. 12, the target portion has six target openings 16arranged with a single upper target opening 84 configured proximal tothe top 36 of the target portion 32, three lower target openings 80configured in a row along the bottom 34, or bottom side, of the targetportion and two middle target openings 82 configured in a horizontal rowbetween the upper and lower target openings. As shown in FIG. 13, thetarget portion 32 has seven target openings 16 arranged with a singleupper target opening 84 configured proximal to the top 36 of the targetportion 32, two lower target openings 80 configured proximal to thesides of the bottom 34 and four middle target openings 82. Put anotherway, there are two rows of target openings configured along the left andright sides of the target opening that share the single upper targetopening proximal to the top 36 of the target portion 32.

As shown in FIG. 15, an exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 hasa target 10 and a pair of anchors 31, 31′ coupled to the target bystraps 11, 11′ respectively. The base portion 20 has a pair offloatation units 18, 18′ coupled thereto by floatation retainers 25, 25′respectively, which may be sleeves for receiving a rod shaped foam typefloatation unit.

FIG. 16 shows the target portion 32 being held up at a target angle fromthe base portion 20 by the support pole, or stanchion 50, which is asegmented support pole having support pole segments 72, 72′ and asegment coupler 74.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary scoreboard 37 coupled to the support pole.The scoreboard may be placed in any suitable location and may beself-supporting, wherein it can stand upright on a surface and may havefeet or legs to enable the scoreboard to be self-supporting.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200disassembled with the floatation units 18, 18′ removed from thefloatation retainers 25 on the base portion 20, the straps 11, 11′coupling the anchors 13, 13′ detached from the target 10 and the supportpole 28 removed from the support pole retainers 29, sleeves to receivethe ends of the support pole. The floatation retainers are sleeves andare collapsed with the floatation units removed.

FIG. 19 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 shown inFIG. 18, with the target portion 32 folded down onto the base portion 20about the hinge 39.

FIG. 20 shows the exemplary skipping target game apparatus 200 beingfolded and then placed into a case 86, such as a bag. The target maycomprise a wire frame 22 that is flexible to allow the target portionand base portion to be folded for compact storage. The wire frame mayextend around the perimeter of the target portion 32 and/or base portion20 and may extend within a sleeve 33. The wire frame may be made out ofor comprise metal, plastic or an elastomer, such as a rubber and may beflexible and elastic, wherein the wire frame can be deformed, such as byfolding and then rebound back to an original shape, thereby producing ashape memory target portion and/or base portion.

FIG. 21 shows exemplary segmented support pole 70 in two configurations,one fully assembled and one having the bottom support pole segment 72pulled out from the segment coupler and attached by the elastic tether75. The elastic tether extends between the support pole segments 72,72′, 72″. The support pole segments are coupled together by a segmentcoupler 74. The segment coupler may be cylindrical in shape and haveopenings on each end for the insertion of each support pole segment. Thesupport poles extend from a first end 76 to a second end 78. The endsmay have a tapered portion for insertion into apertures for retention inupper and base supports of the backstop net assembly.

FIG. 22 shows exemplary segmented support pole 71 having only twosupport pole segments 72, 72′. As described herein, this may be used asthe backstop stanchion and extend between the upper and base supports ofthe backstop net assembly.

FIG. 23 shows a light charger 130 configured to charge a water-skippingarticle 100 with light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light so that the glowin the dark material 110 on the water-skipping article glows in thedark. The light charger has a light receptacle 132 and a light source134, such as a UV light source configured to project light into thereceptacle. The light source may be configured in a cover 136 as shownor along the receptacle, such as along one or more walls of thereceptacle or in the base of the receptacle. As shown, after aneffective amount of light exposure, the water-skipping article 100′glows when removed from the receptacle. The light receptacle may havemirrors or reflective surfaces to increase the intensity of the charginglight on the water skipping article. As shown a plurality of skippingstone articles may be configured in the light receptacle to charge themwith light so that they glow in the dark.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 to 29, an exemplary water skipping article 100has a curved top surface and a curved bottom surface. The curved bottomsurface may enable the water skipping article to effectively skip overwater. The water skipping article may have glow in the dark material110, such as a fluorescent material. The water skipping article may bemade of foam material 114, such as high density foam material, and mayinclude a fabric 115, which may be a waterproof fabric. A glow in thedark material may also be a phosphorescent material that glows in thedark when exposed to short wavelength light, such as ultraviolet light.An auxiliary light may produce the ultraviolet light, or it may be partof the skipping target game apparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aquatic game apparatus, comprising: a bouyantwater skipping article, comprising: a target, comprising: a targetportion comprising an upper surface having a plurality target openings;and a bouyant base portion comprising a flotation unit; wherein theupper surface of the target portion is configured to be elevated up fromthe base unit a target angle.
 2. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 1,further comprising an anchor coupled to the target by a strap.
 3. Theaquatic game apparatus of claim 2, comprising at least two anchorscoupled to the target by a strap.
 4. The aquatic game apparatus of claim2, wherein the anchor comprises a fillable weight bag.
 5. The aquaticgame apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bouyant water skipping article ismade of foam.
 6. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplurality of target openings comprise pocketed nets configured to catchthe water skipping article.
 7. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 1,wherein the target portion is a triangularly shaped having three sidesconfigure at acute angles.
 8. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 7,wherein the target portion comprises at least three target openings. 9.The aquatic game apparatus of claim 8, wherein the target portioncomprises a lower target opening, a middle target opening and an uppertarget opening, wherein the middle target opening is configured betweenthe lower and upper target opening.
 10. The aquatic game apparatus ofclaim 1, where the floatation unit of the base portion is an inflatablebladder.
 11. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 1, where the floatationunit of the base portion is detachably attached to the base portion. 12.The aquatic game apparatus of claim 11, where the floatation unit of thebase portion is rod shaped and made of foam.
 13. The aquatic gameapparatus of claim 1, where the floatation unit of the base portion isrod shaped and made of foam.
 14. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 1,wherein the target is collapsible is foldable and configured to befolded and placed in a case for transport.
 15. The aquatic gameapparatus of claim 14, wherein the target comprises an inflatablebladder.
 16. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 14, wherein the targetcomprises a wire frame configured in a sleeve and wherein the wire frameis flexible.
 17. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a bouyant backstop that is configured to extend behind thetarget and comprises a net configured to capture water skipping articlesthat miss the target openings.
 18. The aquatic game apparatus of claim1, of claim 17, wherein the bouyant backstop comprises an upper supportand a base support that is bouyant and wherein the net is configuredbetween said upper support and the base support.
 19. The aquatic gameapparatus of claim 1, wherein the target comprises glow in the darkmaterial.
 20. The aquatic game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waterskipping article comprises glow in the dark material.